Does the thought of choosing a new microwave feel like a giant puzzle? So many buttons, sizes, and features! It’s true, picking the perfect “On The Counter” microwave can feel overwhelming. You need something that fits your space, cooks your food just right, and doesn’t break the bank. Finding that sweet spot often leaves us scratching our heads.
This guide cuts through the clutter. We know you want reliable, easy-to-use appliances that make life simpler, not harder. We will break down what truly matters when looking at microwaves that sit right on your countertop. Forget confusing jargon and endless scrolling!
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which features matter most for your kitchen needs. Ready to stop guessing and start heating? Let’s dive into finding the best countertop microwave for you.
Top On The Counter Microwave Recommendations
No. 1
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
No. 2
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
No. 3
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
No. 4
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
No. 5
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time)
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizing 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Bright digital display, easy-to-read control panel, interior light and 10 inch glass turntable
- One year limited warranty. Express cooking options & silent mode
No. 6
GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
No. 7
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6" Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
- 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
- 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6" turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
- 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
- 【Convenience Features】Auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button "8" for 3-5 seconds; The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
No. 8
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 900W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your New On-The-Counter Microwave
A microwave oven sits on your kitchen counter, making quick meals easy. Choosing the right one can save you time and make cooking more fun. This guide helps you pick the best microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Modern microwaves offer more than just heating leftovers. Look closely at these features:
- Wattage (Power): This is how fast your microwave cooks. Higher wattage (like 1000W or more) cooks food faster. Lower wattage (around 700W) might heat more evenly but take longer.
- Capacity (Size): Microwaves come in small, medium, and large sizes. Small (0.7 cu. ft.) fits dorm rooms. Large (1.5 cu. ft. or more) handles big family meals. Measure your counter space first!
- Inverter Technology: This advanced feature cooks food using steady, continuous power. Older microwaves cycle the power on and off. Inverter technology heats food more evenly, keeping things like soups from getting hot spots.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. The microwave uses a sensor to tell how much steam is coming from your food. It then adjusts the cooking time automatically. This stops your popcorn from burning.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials inside and outside affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
- Interior Cavity: Most budget microwaves use painted metal inside. This works fine, but it can stain. Stainless steel interiors are durable and resist stains better. Ceramic enamel interiors are very easy to wipe clean.
- Turntable: Most use a glass turntable. Make sure the glass tray is thick and fits securely. Some very small models skip the turntable, but this often means uneven heating.
- Exterior Casing: A sturdy metal casing lasts longer than thin plastic. Check the door hinges; they should feel solid when you open and close them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means better performance and fewer headaches later.
What Improves Quality?
- Even Heating Performance: A quality microwave heats edge-to-edge. Test this by microwaving a cup of water in the center and then in the corners.
- Quiet Operation: High-quality motors run quietly. You won’t hear a loud humming noise constantly.
- Intuitive Controls: Buttons should be clearly labeled and respond immediately when pressed.
What Reduces Quality?
- Cheap Plastic Parts: Flimsy plastic buttons or door latches break easily over time.
- Weak Magnetron: The magnetron creates the microwaves. If it is low quality, heating times will be very inconsistent, and the unit may fail sooner.
- Poor Ventilation: Ensure the vents on the back and sides are clear. Blocked vents cause the machine to overheat.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the microwave every day.
- Small Kitchens/Dorm Rooms: You need a compact model (under 1.0 cu. ft.). Focus on reheating and defrosting functions.
- Busy Families: Look for larger capacity (1.2 cu. ft. or more) and powerful wattage (1100W+). Pre-set buttons for common items like pizza or potatoes are very helpful.
- Advanced Cooks: If you use the microwave for more than just reheating—like softening butter or gentle defrosting—inverter technology is a huge benefit.
Always read user reviews. They tell you the real story about noise levels and long-term durability.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About On-The-Counter Microwaves
Q: What is the standard size for a counter microwave?
A: Most standard models fall between 1.0 and 1.6 cubic feet. This size fits well on most counters and handles average family needs.
Q: Do I need a high-wattage microwave?
A: If you heat large amounts of food or want very fast cooking, yes, aim for 1000W or higher. For simple warming, 800W is usually fine.
Q: What is the difference between a standard and an inverter microwave?
A: A standard microwave cycles power on and off. An inverter microwave provides constant, lower power, which cooks food more gently and keeps it moist.
Q: Can I put aluminum foil inside my microwave?
A: No. You must never put metal inside a microwave. Metal reflects the waves and can cause sparks, which might damage the appliance.
Q: How important is the turntable?
A: The turntable is very important. It spins the food so that the microwave energy hits all parts of the dish evenly, preventing cold spots.
Q: How do I clean the interior of my new microwave?
A: The easiest way is to place a bowl of water mixed with lemon slices inside. Heat it for three minutes until the window steams up. The steam loosens grime, and you can wipe it clean easily.
Q: What should I check before buying a used microwave?
A: Check that the door seals tightly and that the light and turntable work. Run it for one minute to ensure it heats food properly.
Q: What does “defrost by weight” mean?
A: This feature lets you enter the weight of the frozen item. The microwave calculates the correct time needed to thaw the food without cooking the edges.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than painted ones?
A: Stainless steel interiors are generally more durable and resist staining better than painted interiors, making cleanup simpler in the long run.
Q: Where is the best place to put my microwave on the counter?
A: Place it away from sinks or heat sources. Always leave a few inches of space around the sides and back for proper ventilation, as required by the manufacturer.